Winter cocktails to try – recipes and more

It’s finally cold enough to justify staying inside, curled up with a good book and a nice drink. If you’re looking for some new winter cocktail recipes, you’ve come to the right place. 

We’ve got something for everyone, from cozy classics like spiced apple cider to fun newcomers like peppermint mochas. Plus, tips on how to make your drinks even cozier! Read on to get inspired.

6 Basic Cocktails for Winter

While we all love a good cocktail, the thought of mixing one up in the cold weather can seem unappealing. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with the six basic and refreshing winter cocktails that will keep you warm all season long! 

• The Old Fashioned – is a classic winter drink that’s perfect for warming up on a cold night. It consists of bourbon, sugar, and bitters and can be made with or without ice.
• Daiquiri – this mix is perfect for winter gatherings. Just add rum and ice, and you’re ready to celebrate.
• Sidecar – is a classic winter cocktail that’s perfect for warming up on cold nights. Made with brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice, it’s sweet, refreshing, and perfect for festive gatherings. Serve it in a hurricane glass or copper mug for an extra touch of style.
• Martini – This classic cocktail is perfect for any winter occasion. There’s something for everyone with recipes ranging from classic drinks like vodka martinis to more creative concoctions.
• Negroni – is a classic winter cocktail that is perfect for warming up on a cold night. This drink features gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, and it is sure to leave you feeling cozy and content. 
• Manhattan – This classic cocktail is perfect for those chilly evenings when you want to relax in front of a roaring fire with a drink in hand. The sweet vermouth and bitters give it a delicious flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

Best Winter Cocktails to Try

So grab your favorite blanket and get ready to toast to winter! Try one of these winter cocktails to keep you warm! From spiked apple cider to festive martinis, we’ve got something for everyone.

Mulled Wine

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine
• Eight whole cloves
• 2-star anise
• Two cinnamon sticks
• 2-4 tbsps sugar, maple syrup, or honey
• One orange (sliced and peeled if you want it less bitter)
• Citrus slices – lemon or lime and orange peel for garnish (optional)

How to:

1. Combine brandy, wine, cloves, orange slices, star anise, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a large pan. Stir to combine evenly.
2. Cook the wine on medium-high heat until it reaches its boiling point. Don’t let it simmer until it bubbles. Reduce to low heat. Let the wine simmer for 15 minutes or up to 3 hours. 
3. Serve hot or warm in mugs. Then top this winter cocktail with your preferred garnishes.

Classic Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz whiskey
• 3/4 cup water
• 2-3 tsp lemon juice
• 1 whole lemon
• 2-3 tsp honey
• One cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

How to: 

1. Let the water boil in a saucepan or teapot. Pour in the mug once boiled.
2. Pour in honey, lemon juice, and whiskey. Stir until honey is dissolved in hot water. 3. Taste it and add another 1 teaspoon of honey if you like it sweeter. Or you can add 1 teaspoon lemon juice for punch.
3. Garnish with cinnamon sticks or lemon. 

Classic Winter Daiquiri

Ingredients:

• 1-ounce black or dark rum
• 1-ounce white rum
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Lime wedges for garnish

How to:

1. Combine white rum, black rum, simple syrup, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well-mixed.
2. Pour into a coupe glass.
3. Garnish with the lime wedge.

Winter Spiked Irish Coffee Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (3/4 oz) coffee liqueur
• 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
• 4 oz brewed coffee 
• 1/4 cup (3/4 oz) Irish cream liqueur
• Whipped cream for garnish

How to:

1. In an Irish coffee glass or mug, pour in the coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and Irish whiskey.
2. Fill in with hot coffee.
3. Mix to combine evenly.
4. If desired, top with whipped cream. 

Candy Cane Winter Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces strawberry vodka
• 1 candy cane (crushed)
• 2 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
• 4 dashes white creme de menthe

How to:

1. Put the crushed candy cane on a small plate. Then using water, wet the outer rims of a chilled martini glass. While holding the glass stem, rotate the rim and coat with the crushed candy cane.
2. Using a cocktail shaker, mix in vodka, cranberry juice, creme de menthe, and ice. Shake until well mixed. Strain in the glass and serve. 

Vodka Martini Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1-ounce dry vermouth
• 3 ounces vodka
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 3 olives

How to:

1. Mix dry vermouth and vodka in a cocktail glass. Then fill with ice. Stir until cold. 
2. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with three olives in a toothpick.

Spiked Apple Cider

Ingredients:

• 1 whole large orange (cut into 1/4 slices)
• 1-gallon apple juice or apple cider (unfiltered)
• 4-star anise
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tbsp allspice
• 1-inch ginger root (sliced)
• 1 tbsp cloves
• 1 1/2 cups spiced rum

How to:

1. In a large saucepan, combine apple juice, cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange slices, whole allspice, whole cloves, and ginger root. 
2. Let the mixture boil on medium heat. Lower heat to simmer, then cover for 2-3 hours.
3. Pour rum into the apple cider mixture.
4. Remove spices and fruit from the pot. Serve warm.

Red Mimosas

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 lime (cut in half)
• 1 cup cranberry juice (sweetened)
• 4 small twigs of Rosemary (fresh)
• 1 bottle champagne
  

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How to: 

1. Coat champagne glass with lime, then dip them in sugar.
2. Pour 1/4 cup cranberry juice into each glass and add champagne on top.
3. Using a toothpick, poke a hole in each cranberry. 
4. Thread the Rosemary twigs through the cranberries, then garnish the winter cocktail.

Key Takeaway

The end of the year is approaching, and that means it’s time for winter cocktails to try. We hope this list has given you some inspiration on how to enjoy these last few months before spring arrives! Whether you’re looking for a new drink recipe or want to switch up your regular cocktail, we have plenty of ideas in store.